All Hallow's Eve!

For Thursday, October 31, 2024:

2 Corinthians 5:8 PHILLIPS: “We would really rather be “away” from the body (in death) and be “at home” with the Lord.”

In the US, today is “Halloween” or All Hallows’ Eve. Kids don fun costumes, ring doorbells, shout “Trick or Treat” and receive candy, allegedly for not ‘tricking’ anyone! It can be a fun holiday celebrating autumn, harvest and sometimes the first snowfall.

But there are dark parts of Halloween to be avoided. ’Witchcraft’ means the use of magic or supernatural powers to inflict harm or misfortune on others. If anyone has such power, it comes straight from the devil himself. When believers die, our spirits are instantly with the Lord. Non-believers get to hang out in Satan’s realm. The Bible makes no mention of souls caught midway between this life and the next. So there really are no ghosts. Graves do not open up. Once we’ve entered the next reality, there’s no going back. Sorry, Ghostbusters! You’ll have to find another line of work!

The Lord will show you everything you need to know. Hauntings, séances, tarot cards, Ouija boards, and crystal balls are attempts to offer insight into an unknown world that lies beyond the limits of our physical existence. The truth is that we cannot go there.

Tomorrow is “All Saints’ Day,” often celebrated the following Sunday. We remember both our ancestors and other great people who have gone before us. Our Mexican neighbors celebrate Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos,) similar to All Saints’ Day.

So let’s enjoy the holiday, savoring the fun parts, the good parts, and setting aside rumors and bad theology. Stick with what the Bible teaches!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Permanent Relationship!

For Wednesday, October 30, 2024:

2 John 9 NLT: “Anyone who wanders away from Jesus’ teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.”

What’s on your agenda for today? It’s easy to fill up your “to-do list” with so many things that there’s no time for God – too much on your plate! The proper amount of time to spend with the Lord is always a little bit more than you think!

Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” He taught about God and the Kingdom, so spending time with Jesus is in fact learning more about God. And here John teaches that following Jesus is knowing both the Father and the Son.

If someone claimed to be a believer but then “wandered away,” I believe it’s fair to question if they ever loved the Lord with ALL their heart. When you study everything Jesus did for us – rescuing us from our sinful world – going back is not an option.

We are saved through faith, unshakable faith!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Deceivers!

For Tuesday, October 29, 2024:

2 John 7 NLT: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

Believers know that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. He arrived in our world as a little baby, one who could have died when Herod was trying to exterminate all the Hebrew babies. That’s why his parents took refuge in Egypt. In fact his human body would eventually die as he took our sins to the place of the dead.

But the extraordinary wisdom, the healings and other miracles were straight from heaven. The resurrection was not Jesus dying; He was returning to his Father in heaven, saying, “Mission accomplished!”

There are credible writings, both sacred and secular, that clearly acknowledge the supernatural feats of this Jesus who walked alongside mankind. Yes, the stories about him are true, these things actually happened, and a denier is at least wrong, a deceiver and a candidate for antichrist-of-the-year.

Believers need to steer clear of deceivers. Truth can be reinforced by associating with other believers!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Expectations!

October 28, 2024 Monday Message:

John 7:28-29 NLT: “While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.”

What were you expecting? When the prophets said a Messiah was on the way, most people expected a humongous warrior with awesome superpowers, not a baby in a manger. They were hoping to be liberated from the Roman government and the Roman army. After all, God’s chosen people deserve freedom and autonomy.

But Jesus’ mission was far different. He was to inspire people and re-teach God’s commands. Along the way he would heal people of any sickness or disease. But his primary mission was to rid the world of its sin problem. He would take the sins of the world to the place of the dead, and leave believers prepared for eternal life as members of God’s Kingdom. No greater gift could be bestowed on mankind!

God doesn’t always give you what you’re expecting; he gives you what you most need!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Family of God!

For Sunday, October 27, 2024:

2 John 4 NLT: “How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded.”

I see a lot of grandparents bringing their grandchildren to church, and sometimes the grandparents are raising these kids themselves, which brings up the question, where are their parents? I call this the missing generation.

Far too many of them have fallen to Satan and his demons. Satan invented drug abuse, alcoholism and gangs – anything to divert one’s attention from God Almighty. Those victims of the devil’s mischief have traded a moment of pleasure for a lifetime of misery.

God’s commandments were designed to keep us safe. Those who have fallen can flip Satan’s script by calling on Jesus. Getting back on track is possible with Jesus, but it really won’t work without him.

I always enjoy seeing new babies in church. That’s how families start! So in our churches, we need to welcome the moms and dads and all the children. God created man and woman and the means to procreate, so this “family system” is part of God’s design. Infants can’t care for themselves yet; they need to be part of a family, and that includes a church family. Socialization should be taught by including everyone in the body of Christ.

After all, we’re all brothers and sisters; we’re all children of God!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Common sense!

For Saturday, October 26, 2024:

John 7:24 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”

Jesus was criticized for healing on the Sabbath. Some even wanted to kill him for that sin. But it turns out that our God is also a God of common sense.

Jesus, Son of God, saw that someone could be healed. They were miserable, and he held the solution. What a wonderful gift for that person to be healed on God’s Holy Day. The man will never forget just how good a Sabbath can be!

Male Jewish infants are to be circumcised on the eighth day, and if that falls on the Sabbath, they still do the work. 2,000 years ago, people lived in an agriculture-based society, so everyone fed and watered their animals, even though it might be the Sabbath. It seems the Temple leaders were OK with their agenda for the Sabbath, just not Jesus’ Sabbath behavior.

I’ve used this example before. Pretend you’re driving home from church, and you see a mom with two little kids in her car, and the vehicle has a flat tire. Should you stop and help, or express sympathy and tell her you’ll be back on Monday when work is allowed? She has a big problem now, and needs a solution now, not tomorrow. It’s the perfect time to love your neighbor and to do what Jesus would have done, and Jesus always did the right thing!

Kindness, helpfulness and compassion are not limited to six days a week!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Son of God!

For Friday, October 25, 2024:

John 7:10 NLT: “After his brothers left for the Festival (of Shelters), Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view.”

It turns out that Jesus reconsidered attending the festival. Perhaps the Father tapped him on the shoulder, and Jesus, always obedient, proceeded to Jerusalem.

It turned out that Jesus was the hot topic at that year’s festival. While the evil Jewish leaders searched for him, the public was divided. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.” But no one had the courage to stand up to the Jewish leaders.

Then surprisingly, midway through the festival, Jesus went to the Temple and began to teach. People were amazed! Q: “How does this untrained man have so much knowledge?” A: “Because he’s the Son of God!”

We know that now, but back then people were just figuring it out, getting used to the idea that God’s Son could walk on earth alongside mankind. But it’s the same reason that we should listen to Jesus and live our lives according to his directions, because he’s the Son of God who only wants what’s best for us!

So friends, love God and love your neighbor. That’s what Jesus said. That’s what our Bibles say!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

God's Plan!

For Thursday, October 24, 2024:

John 7:1 NLT: “Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death.”

Jesus taught that God was good and the world was evil, and for this he was hated. Jesus pointed out the messed up theology of the Pharisees that was taught at the Temple, and even this early in his ministry, Jesus knew his time would be coming to an end.

But now it was time for the Festival of Shelters/Tabernacles/Sukkos/Sukkot. It celebrates creating a place of worship, and a place for God to live amongst his people. Jews were commanded to celebrate this each year, appearing before the Lord in a place he would select. By this time, the place was in Judea, in Jerusalem, at the Temple. Jesus’ companions thought he should attend. He could put his miracles on display and become famous, but Jesus wanted no part of it. “I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” All things in God’s time!

The Pharisees had not a clue that their plotting Jesus’ demise was fulfilling God’s vast eternal plan! As Jesus died on the cross, he would take the sins of the world to the place of the dead, and leave them there. Believers would have their sins not only forgiven, but there would be no record of their ever having sinned. Jesus would prepare loyal believers for eternal residence in the presence of the Almighty. He would go on to prepare their place in the hereafter!

Friends, there was indeed a master plan for the rescue of mankind, and Jesus, being omniscient, knew all the details ahead of time. Therefore he continued his ministry in Galilee. He would later return to Jerusalem for Passover, to complete God’s plan for mankind’s rescue.

Believes are the beneficiaries of God’s rescue plan!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Rumors Bad – Truth Good!

For Wednesday, October 23, 2024:

1 John 3 NLT: “We know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.”

Two hurricanes, Helene and Milton, recently crossed Florida. Milton traveled East and dissipated over the Atlantic. But the first hurricane, Helene, surprisingly headed almost straight north, not stopping until it reached the Appalachian mountains over Asheville, North Carolina! Who would have thought that a mountainous city that far inland would be devastated by a storm from the Gulf of Mexico!

Long before the waters receded, rumors and conspiracy theories flew across news outlets and the internet. Most were proven to be false. But my point is that it took no time at all for the rumor mill to get started. Mankind is like that.

Similarly, following Jesus’ ascension, it took no time at all for untruths to start flooding the scene, and Jesus was no longer here to set things straight. “Some said Jesus wasn’t real, that he never actually existed, that he was all in our imaginations. Opposers tried to disprove the miracles, claiming sorcery or optical illusions. It was further claimed that Jesus couldn’t be the Son of God. After all, he was crucified. If he was truly God’s Son, God would have plucked him right out of harm’s way!”

Friends, re-read today’s scripture. The writer is stating truth, what’s obvious to Christian Believers, that Jesus–Son of God–actually walked among us and updated our knowledge of the Father. And because we believe in Jesus, we also live in fellowship with God Almighty. There is only one true God, and Jesus is the only way to eternal life in the presence of that God. Throw out the rumors and falsehoods. Believe this scripture, and then go teach others the Good News! Teach the truth!

Truth is God’s opinion on everything!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Open Hearts!

For Tuesday, October 22, 2024:

1 John 5:20 NLT: “We know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.”

Believers are blessed! Our eyes have been opened to truth about our Creator and our path to salvation. Unbelieving prophets and kings may desire to know the Lord, but seeking is as close as they get. Believers need to know that God is far more important than they are. Humble is required!

Christians do our best to make disciples of all nations, but we’d be powerless without the Holy Spirit first opening the hearts of prospective believers. First the Holy Spirit, then the Gospel. That’s the only way evangelism works!

Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” so knowing Jesus is like knowing God. Their instructions for how we are to live our lives are the same. Their values are the same. Jesus never contradicts our Father in Heaven. Jesus is God’s Son, and like him, believers become children of God. We’re brethren, all on the same team, all loving God almighty and obediently serving!

Our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – love mankind, so much so that Jesus would sacrifice his human life to redeem our souls. Believers have been forgiven, prepared by Jesus himself for eternal life in the Heavenly realm.

Welcome to the family!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Book of Life!

October 21, 2024 Monday Message:

Luke 10:20 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

Jesus sent 72 disciples, in pairs, to the cities on his upcoming itinerary. Amazed, they reported back, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” By the way, that still works nowadays!

Casting out demons is a big deal, but the best news is that these servants of our Lord have their names in the Book of Life! It’s important for us to understand the order of these events. First, these people believed and trusted in Jesus, becoming disciples, becoming believers. They were then saved by Jesus, granted eternal life, their names registered in heaven. And finally, out of gratitude for what Jesus did (granting them eternal life), they faithfully served, helping Jesus further his mission.

This is a perfect model for how we are to live our lives. First, we become believers, asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior of our lives. We become members of the Holy Family, so Jesus then includes us in the Book of Life. We have been rescued from hell, from Satan and his demons, so we serve the Kingdom out of gratitude for that rescue.

God is good, way better than we deserve!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Jesus' Name!

For Sunday, October 20, 2024:

Luke 10:17 NLT: “When the 72 disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Jesus, ‘Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!’”

We know Jesus called 12 Apostles, but we don’t know the number of disciples, loyal followers of Jesus, part of the entourage traveling with him from place to place. Jesus wanted an advance team to prepare the hearts of those he was planning to visit, so he sent these trusted disciples in pairs, which tells us that Jesus had at least 36 cities on his itinerary. The disciples told everyone to repent and return to the Lord, for the Kingdom was drawing closer and closer, day by day. The Messiah is on his way to your city, so prepare yourselves!

Of course, Satan and his demons weren’t buying tickets for the ‘Jesus tour of Israel!’ In fact, they would do anything possible to throw sand in the gears, to derail the mission. But the disciples were using the name of Jesus, and discovered that by using his name they could cast out the demons! Demons and Satan are no match for Jesus, Son of the Most High!

Satan isn’t on vacation, and that’s why so much of our world is a big mess right now. Evil seems to be everywhere, except where Jesus is acknowledged as King of kings, Lord of lords. And even there, Satan will try to sneak in every once in a while. Our solution is to stick with what the Bible says, and with what Jesus taught. Constantly search for truth, and if a demon gets in the way, use Jesus’ name to send him packing!

Worship the Lord today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship